In the beautiful Banff National Park in western Canada, visitors can now enjoy exciting horse-riding adventures that take them deep into the backcountry. These treks not only show the amazing natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, but also highlight how women are leading the way in guiding tourists through this wild land.
Mules, Mountains, and the Wild West
In a dusty paddock, strong mules are loaded with gear for a long journey. These animals, a mix of horse and donkey, carry food, blankets, fuel, and even a bottle of whisky. The scene looks like something from an old Wild West movie. But the people in charge today look very different from the early settlers of Alberta.
One of them is Erica Woolsey, a mule packer and experienced trail guide for Banff Trail Riders. Dressed in worn jeans, a cowboy hat, and tough boots, she explains that this job used to be done mostly by men. But now, about 80% of the 100 workers at Banff Trail Riders are women. This is a big change in what was once a male-dominated job.
Daily Life on the Trails
The job of a backcountry guide is not easy. These women take guests on multi-day trips through the park. Tourists ride horses through mountains, forests, and lakes, often staying at places like Sundance Lodge — a rustic cabin deep in the park. It takes a full day of riding just to get there.
One guide, Lola Jung, started out as a university student. Today, she leads riders through the wilderness and even shares stories of escaping a grizzly bear known as “The Boss.” She now knows how to repair saddles, start campfires, and guide tourists through the same trails used over 100 years ago.
As the ride continues, phones lose signal and only the sound of birds and horses remain. It feels like stepping back in time.
Women Taking the Lead
More and more women are becoming symbols of strength in the backcountry. The rise of cowgirl culture in fashion and music — like Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter — is making this way of life popular again. Tourists are amazed to see young, strong women like Lola handling tough trails and leading groups with confidence.
At night, riders gather at Sundance Lodge, share stories, and eat together. The lodge is far from any town, and the peaceful surroundings help everyone feel connected to nature. This off-grid lifestyle of riding, eating, and resting gives travelers a new kind of freedom.
Remembering the Indigenous Roots
Just outside Banff, in the town of Canmore, another woman is sharing stories of the land’s first people. Heather Black, a former boxer and now a hiking guide, leads tourists on trails while teaching them about the Blackfoot people. Her ancestors have lived in the Rockies for over 10,000 years.
Heather explains how Indigenous women once gathered healing plants in these forests, and how their connection to the land was lost when they were moved to reserves. Today, she uses her tours to reconnect with her culture and teach others about it. Her company, Buffalo Stone Woman, helps people see the spiritual side of the mountains.
As she climbs with guests, she shares memories of hard hikes, snowy peaks, and the strength she found in nature. Like the cowgirls of Banff, Heather proves that women have always played a big role in the mountains — even if their stories were not always told.
Stay tuned for more Breaking News and updates about Canadian tourism, backcountry adventures, and empowering stories from the Rockies.
